Peach Magazine Atlanta v3-i3 MLK WEEKEND

I’m a

DREAMER

MLK Day

Liberty & Justice For All

Q-Music

More Queers for Your Ears

Getaway

Key West Calls

Recommends

Armorettes Turn 40

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SANTA FE FEATURES

ABOUT RICK CASE! SCOTT MCMILLAN

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CONTENTS JANUARY 16, 2019

V3-03 PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 1874 Piedmont Ave NE Suite 580-E Atlanta, GA 30324

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EDITORIAL

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From the Editor January 21 is Martin Luther King Day. In the current political and social climate, it is impossible to oversee the importance of this holiday that celebrates the life and accomplishments of the civil rights hero.

Whether you decide to participate in the rally and march, the commemorative service at Ebeneezer Church, do a 5K, or simply educate yourself about the history and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement, I hope you do it with the resolve to foster a more respectful, intellectual and mature environment when it comes to civil rights issues – in our city, state, country, and world!

Kevin Assam Jamie Kirk Gregg Shapiro Max Southern

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Happy MLK Day - and I hope you enjoy this issue of Peach!

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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

6 | 01.16.19

Celebrating Decades of Hilarity and Charity Since their humble beginnings at the Armory Bar in Atlanta in 1979 to the present, more than a hundred men have donned wigs, heels, and lashes to raise money for those affected by HIV/AIDS. After 40 years, the Armorettes have raised an impressive 2.3 million dollars and show no signs of stopping – and that’s worth celebrating!

to those in need and through time a fund was formed to better distribute money to organizations that specialized in HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research.

Today, that model remains unchanged and every dollar raised goes to the P.W.H.A. Fund (a 501(3c) non-profit organization), which distributes money to HIV/AIDS charities here in Atlanta.

You may have seen the Armorettes perform in one of the bars or clubs in Atlanta, but behind all the campy drag extravaganza lies a dedicated mission to support the LGBTQ community where it is most vulnerable. In 1979, a group of men decided to don wigs and heels to perform a drag show at the Armory Bar – hence the namesake The Armorettes – to raise some money. The group of original Armorettes felt a strong need to step up and help the community during the AIDS crisis, which was growing rampant in the late 70s and beginning of the 80s. Practically nothing was done to treat or prevent the disease from spreading, and it was leaving significant carnage in its lethal trail. So, The Armorettes were formed, and the original drag queens Thelma, Julie Garden, Justa Tish, Kitty Carlisle, Ginny Tonic, and Liz Helen started performing drag shows to raise money for their friends who were sick and dying from AIDS. Back then, every dollar raised went directly

Now, 40 years later the Armorettes have raised 2.3 million dollars through the efforts of more than a hundred men who have done drag shows through time to raise money and awareness for the cause. The style of drag is the same: campy, fun, and always with a twist to make you laugh and feel well-entertained.

To celebrate to 40th Anniversary, The Armorettes have put together a grand show that will showcase the talents of some of the group’s most notorious queens including Trashetta Galore, Autumn Skyy, Nurse Holly, Cherry Poppins, and Ally Queered Al Yankadic, but also their newcomers Sasha Stephens, Baby D GaLore, and Rolonda Flor. The show will also celebrate and honor an array of past Armorettes who have all done their part in keeping Atlanta entertained while raising money for a worthy and important cause. One thing is certain: It’ll be camp, and it’ll be a party!

The What, When, and Where What: The Armorettes 40th Anniversary Party When: Saturday, January 19, 8 pm Where: Buckhead Theatre Tickets via thebuckheadtheatreatl.com - $50 Reserved Seating, $25 General Admission 8 | 01.16.19

MLK Day Celebrating History and Heritage

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

A big part of Atlanta’s history and heritage is rooted in the civil rights movement, and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 21 celebrates just that. If you want to observe the holiday by commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the city offers many ways to honor his many achievements.

The King Center & King Holiday Observance

The King Center is a top destination and to mark the holiday a 10-day celebration of the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been planned to include receptions, performance art, lectures, and workshops.

Go to www.thekingcenter.org for a full schedule and more information.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service

As the hallmark of the holiday, the service is held in the Horizon Sanctuary of the Ebeneezer Baptist Church on Monday, January 21, 10 am.

MLK Day March and Rally

This year, the march is mobilized to create a lasting impact and honor those who have come before us. The Martin Luther King, Jr., March and Rally is free to attend and assembles at 1 pm at Peachtree Street and Baker Street. The march begins at 1:45 pm.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

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MLK Day 5K Run

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in fellowship and fitness by doing a fun run in Piedmont Park. This year a drumline will line the entire 3.1 miles of the racecourse. The fun starts at 8 am in Piedmont Park. Go to mlkday5k.com to register.

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center and the Margaret Mitchell House offers free admission on January 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Special programming will highlight the contributions and stories of African-Americans in Atlanta, and Atlanta History Center guests will enjoy immersive museum theatre performances and inspiring activities for all ages. Visit atlantahistorycenter.com for more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (MLK Day of Service)

The organization Hands On Atlanta will mobilize more than 3,000 volunteers that will provide service to local communities, schools, and nonprofits as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Hands on Atlanta at (404) 9792820.

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Learning Lessons from Hedwig

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Chad Darnell is a writer, producer, director, and actor who grew up in Atlanta. After working as an on-location casting director in Los Angeles and all over the Southeast, he is back ‘home’ in Atlanta to take on the part as Hedwig in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Pinch’N’Ouch Theatre.

Peach talked to him about making the switch from behind the scenes to center stage, and why the role of Hedwig is so appealing.

You have mainly worked ‘behind the scenes’ as a casting director, producer, and director – now you’re taking the stage as Hedwig. What prompted this switch?

Acting and writing have always been my passions, but roles were extremely limited for my “type” when I was younger. I fell into casting by accident and so blessed to cast talent on over a hundred TV shows and feature films. I was there the night of the upside-down kiss was shot for Spiderman. I was on set for over a hundred episodes of Alias. I had a life-changing conversation with Carrie Fisher. I left the Pink House with Channing Tatum at sunrise. I spent nearly three weeks off-camera yelling at Daniel Radcliffe. I learned immeasurable lessons from Robert Altman, Kenneth Branagh, and Ava DuVernay.

These were opportunities because of the casting. Every single day I’m in a casting session, I get to “act” opposite another actor, who wants this, and I love that. But now I want to start tricking people into thinking I’m characters I’m not. I love the trickery of acting.

What are some of your challenging in stepping into the limelight?

It’s a beast of a role! Honestly, the hardest part letting the character go. I did Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Savannah a year ago, and I knew I wasn’t done with the role the night we closed. I’m so grateful to be doing it again at Pinch’N’Ouch with the lessons I’ve learned with some distance from the show. And the angsty cocoon of 90s unrequited love before social media and selfies? I can’t say it’s not awesome to swim in every night.

What drew you to part of Hedwig in the infamous and award-winning “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” musical?

John Cameron Mitchell quit acting for years after he did the first run in the late 90s, and Darren Criss and Neil Patrick Harris called it one of the hardest roles they’ve ever played. I was like, “cool, I want to do that.” And it IS the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s no joke. It’s like doing an Iron Man every night. You can rehearse for 100 years alone, but you don’t have the show till you have an audience.

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Why do you think we still relate to ‘Hedwig’ today more than 20 years later the musical premiered on Broadway?

For those of us who discovered “Hedwig” in the late 90s, this show represents a place in time when there was hardly any representation of LGBTQIA characters in mainstream media. Hedwig had a botched sex change operation, yet doesn’t identify as Trans! There’s a lot to unpack — addiction, abuse, pain, identity, and transition.

The part of Hedwig has been played by a variety of amazing actors – what is your personal spin on the role?

My “Hedwig” is made up of Amy Winehouse, Courtney Love, and Billie Joe Armstrong (with several dashes of Uma Thurman). I got to meet Shirley Manson from Garbage last year in Vegas, and it was amazing. I really wanted to study the connection that addiction plays in the life of a creative.

What’s next?

Mary Lambert is directing my screenplay Darlene in the spring, and I really hope to finally go to camera with Joey Stefano this year if we lock all the investors. And truly, I’m just focusing on acting in the Atlanta theatre scene.

We have such an incredible theatre community of actors, and I back want in!

You can catch Chad Darnell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch which runs now through February 2 at Pinch’N’Ouch Theatre. Tickets via pnotheatre.org.

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More Queers For Your Ears

By Gregg Shapiro

Queer male musical acts such as Perfume Genius, Car Seat Headrest, Mnek, Shamir and John Grant are boldly proving that there’s more to gay men’s listening habits than disco and show tunes. A founding member of the highly regarded `90s/early `00s band The Czars, Grant’s solo output is alternately challenging and approachable. His latest, Love Is Magic (Partisan), falls somewhere between the accessibility of 2013’s Pale Green Ghosts and 2015’s slightly difficult Grey Tickles, Black Pressure. Grant is known for his lengthy and varied songs, and he doesn’t disappoint here. “Metamorphosis” shifts gears like a car on an inclining road. The title cut, in which Sade gets name-checked, casts a spell on the listener. “Tempest” suggests a queer arcade game and the sexy electronics of “Preppy Boy” deserves to be a standard at tea dance, while “He’s Got His Mother’s Hips” adds some serious funk to the mix. “Touch and Go” is the most beautiful song Grant has recorded since “GMF”.

Gay singer/songwriter/actor Troye Sivan made an indelible impression with his 2015 debut album Blue Neighbourhood. Likewise, his second album Bloom (Capitol), was not only worth the wait, but effortlessly delivers on the promise of the first.

Sivan and his producers employ an assortment of studio wizardry, but the good news is that the songs, all co-written by Sivan, are solid enough not to be overpowered.

Opener “Seventeen” will speak to any LGBTQ folks who knew they were queer

from an early age and where that discovery took them. The aptly titled “My My My!” and “Dance To This” (featuring Ariana Grande) are sexy dance numbers. “What A Heavenly Way To Die” and the title cut are also worth mentioning.

Talent show competitor Calum Scott’s exquisite reimagining of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” as a ballad hinted at his great taste in music. That song, as well as a reading of Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet” can both be found of Scott’s full-length debut album Only Human (Capitol), newly reissued in an expanded special edition including five bonus tracks. In addition to being indicative of his interpretation skills, they also demonstrate his vocal abilities – the guy can sing!

The original songs (co-written by Scott and a team of collaborators). including the Leona Lewis duet “You Are The Reason” and the rhythmic “Give Me Something”, tend to be in the Sam Smith category, and Scott more than distinguishes himself in that realm. Among the new tunes, the breathtaking coming out number “No Matter What” is nothing less than stunning.

On Vital (Wanderlust/Hollywood), gay pop singer/ songwriter Morgxn sounds like he wants to be the stateside version of Troye Sivan and Calum Scott, more than he wants to be John Grant. However, his cover of The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry”, which closes the album, does show an interesting and unexpected side to the artist. Morgxn gets our pulse racing with dance-oriented cuts such as opening track “Translucent”, “XX” and “Harpoon (How Does It Feel)”. Songs such as “Me

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Without You” and “Carry The Weight” incorporate some of the tech that is popular these days.

The Corey TuT of 2018’s Into The Light (coreytut.com) is a far-cry from the Corey TuT of 2013’s Chasing Down The Bedlam.

TuT has set aside his edgy rock sound and traded it for a musical style geared towards the dance-music scene. The clubby title cut gets things moving on an energetic level. You can hear the influence of Madonna’s recent output on “Automatic” and “Remedy” is good for what ails you.

“Hey There Superman” elevates things, while “Everything & Nothing” and “Too Much” have a kind of retro disposition. The six bonus tracks, including the luminous “Sparks” and “Hands” (featuring gay basketball player and musician Will Sheridan), keep the party going into the late hours.

Nine albums into his recording career, Logan Lynn’s My Movie Star is easily his most ambitious project to date.

The over-sized package consists of the 10-song album on the first disc and a second disc of remixes as well as other artists covering a few songs from My Movie Star. With the exception of the title cut, the songs, co-produced by Lynn and Jay Mohr (yes, that Jay Mohr!), were co-written by Lynn and piano sensation Glasys. In other words, this album is a new and unexpected direction for Lynn, who is perhaps best known for his electronic music stylings. Among the cover versions on the second disc, the rendition of “Big City Now” by Tiffany (yes, that Tiffany!), is a must.

Like Logan Lynn, queer “psych delic progressive gothic rock” artist Phideaux has returned with his ninth album, Infernal (Bloodfish), the third and final installment in his “Big Brother authoritarianism and ecological crisis” trilogy.

The 19-track, double disc set features a broad array of musicians performing Phideaux, as well as artwork by Molly Ruttan. If this kind of prog-pop is your cup of kombucha, you might also want to check out Amethyst Journey (PEG), by Alaska + Jeremy (Alaska Thunderfuck, RuPaul’s Drag Race season two champ, and chosen creative family member Jeremy Mikush).

Gay crooner Spencer Day is sort of our very own queer Michael Bublé. Backed by the 20-member Budman-Levy orchestra, Day goes for a film noir vibe on his new album, the Los Angeles song cycle Angel City (spencerday. com). It’s a good fit for Day, who co-wrote all of the songs, including standouts such as the title tune, “The California Yes”, “Ghost of the Chateau Marmont”, “I Wish I Didn’t Care” and “Somewhere There’s A City”.

If Spencer Day is our gay Michael Bublé, out singer/songwriter Mike Maimone is our Tom Waits. The High Hat Club (mikemaimone.com) is a five-song EP, that, like most good EPs, leaves us wanting more.

Maimone’s piano-playing is mind-blowing, his vocals exude enough warmth to start a blaze, and his word play, especially on “Hey Now” and “Clear Black Night”, is as admirable as it is unforgettable. “Through The Changes” is a full-fledged heartstring-tugger. If the bear crowd doesn’t gobble Maimone up with a spoon then we are all doomed.

But wait, there’s more! Prolific, Grammy-nominated gay jazz pianist Fred Hersch has released Fred Hersch Trio `97 @ The Village Vanguard (fredhersch. com), featuring two originals and six covers performed by Hersch, Drew Gress (on bass) and Tom Rainey (on drums). “Forty-four years old, parenting a 12-year old daughter, in a committed partnership, and feeling more myself lately,” licensed therapist and singer/songwriter Jeremy Dion delivers the sixsong EP More Lately (jeremydion.com) featuring the excellent anti-Trump track “Alternative Facts”. A variety of musical genres, including dance (in songs such as “Lost In Light”, “Down The Garden Path” and “Trippin’ On A High Horse”) are represented on gay Canadian musician Curtis Newart’s Rock The Chandeliers (Immaculate).

Photos: Photos: PR PR 16 | 01.16.19

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The music industry has the Grammys, the film industry has the Oscars, and the gay porn industry has - the GayVN Awards. This year’s event, being held Jan. 21 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Resort in Nevada, is hosted by drag goddess Shangela and comic Alec Mapa.

Established to honor the best in male erotica, the GayVN Awards officially began in 1998 and ran annually before taking a break after the 2011 event. It resumed last year, with competition in 27 categories. Last season’s winners included Brent Corrigan for Best Actor for his work in “Ultra Fan” and “One Erection: The Unmaking of a Boy Band” for Best Feature.

Shooting for Awards

By Max Southern

and character-driven porn with better production values. People in the industry often complain to me that they’re tired of just cranking out sex scenes all the time.

Certain performers really seem to enjoy doing something a little more challenging and meaningful.”

Performer of the Year nominees includes Wesley Woods, Diego Sans, and Calvin Banks and those vying for NewComer of the Year include Max Adonis, Remy Cruze, and Falcon model Alam Wernik. All should be familiar faces to avid watchers.

In addition to the 15 categories this year – which include acting and directing awards as well as awards including Best Parody, Best Sex Scene and Best Fetish Scene - 11 categories will be voted on by fans through Jan. 21 such as Favorite Bear, Favorite Daddy, and Social Media Star. All of this year’s nominees are on the event website, avn.com/gayvnawards.

Veteran director Chi Chi LaRue – herself a multiple winner over the years - is up for several awards. LaRue feels the awards shine a needed light on the work being done in the industry. “When I first started out we felt the gay awards were shoved towards the back of the bus at the straight awards,” she says. “It was me who talked to a friend, and we started doing a gay award show before the GayVNs. It felt like people in the room didn’t respect the gay awards. When AVN (Adult Video News) began doing the GayVNs, it felt like it was time for the gay industry to have their own accolades.”

As one of the voters this year, I can say it’s almost impossible to predict winners. Judging is a matter of taste, and one person’s favorite scene might not be another’s cup of gay porn tea. I will say, however, that the most nominated titles - Cockyboys “All Saints: Chapter 1” and NakedSword/Falcon’s “Paris Perfect” – are there for a reason. I expect some wins for both. Francois Sagat, the superstar who came out of retirement a few years back, is nominated for Scene of the Year for his flip-flop with Johnny V in “Paris Perfect,” and it’s contending for Best Duo Sex Scene.

Mainstream director Bruce LaBruce, known for films such as “Raspberry Reich” and last year’s “The Misandrists,” is also nominated this year for Best Director for his work on Cockyboys “Flea Pit.” He has made industry porn films for Cazzo and Wurst Film, but it had been a while. “I always like to keep my hand in, so to speak,” he says. “I liked the stuff that I saw coming out of the Cockyboys studio, so I contacted Jake Jaxson directly and arranged a meeting in NYC. We talked about a collaboration, and we came up with the idea of me writing and directing four short films featuring Cockyboys models.”

One of the most fun categories is Best Parody, which features such take-offs as “ Breaking Mr. Hart” (in which men kidnap their boss, a la the ladies of “Nine to Five”), “Zack & Jack Make a Porno,” “The Slutty Professor” and “Black Panda” - a spoof of “Black Panther” – which manages to combine a healthy amount of superheroes and cumshots.

He feels like the work being done today is of a high level. “I think there’s a bit of a renaissance of narrative 18 | 01.16.19

The biggest award winners since the GayVNs began are Lucas Entertainment’s “Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita” from 2007, which nabbed 14 awards, and Buckshot Productions’ cowboy-themed “Buckleroos” from 2005, which took home 11 trophies.

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Key West Weekend Getaway

By Kevin Assam Key West boasts some of the warmest temperatures in Fahrenheit and sizzling activities for visitors. From the nightlife of the “gayborhood” to the finer trimmings of cabaret, Martin Luther King Weekend offers an opening after the flurry of the holidays to escape the crowds and partake in exciting, titillating, and outrageously funny experiences for all those who dare to venture this southernmost piece of “paradise.”

Chow Down with Your Canine Friends The recently opened Henry and Eli’s Side Street Pub is a hidden gem that offers beer and dishes for you and your canine friends. Key West is already pet-friendly, and this pub’s separate doggie menu is the next natural step. Stop by at happy hour for one of the best deals on the island: $5 twelve-inch pepperoni pizzas. All dogs welcome.

FRI 18 — SUN 20 JAN | 11 AM — MIDNIGHT | 12 Fitzpatrick St

Ask for the chic gallery director. She just might cut you a deal — if you’re nice enough that is.

FRI 18 — SUN 20 JAN | 10 AM — 9 PM | 701 Duval St

Dine at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar Venture out to Stock Island — takes all of a few minutes by car — and sit yourself down at this gorgeous offering by the Perry Hotel. And I’m not just talking about the sweeping views of the Stock Island Marina. The sumptuous menu and extravagant Sunday brunch are drool-worthy. Take a break from the downtown bustle and enjoy yourself at this culinary prize of the keys.

FRI 18 — MON 21 JAN | 8 AM — 2 PM & 6 PM — 10 PM | 7001 Shrimp Rd

Gawk at the Key West Home Tours

Watch the South Florida Symphony: Porgy & Bess

Offering only one two-day tour each month during the season, there aren’t many other opportunities to view and explore some of Key West’s quirkiest and breathtaking houses, gardens, and grounds.

The Old Island Restoration Foundation is giving you the chance to at least pretend you have your agent on speed dial as you lust after elusive Key West real estate.

Neil Nelson and Brandie Sutton headline this iconic American Operatic performance famous for its infusion of blues, spirituals, jazz, and modernist classics. The intimate Tennessee Williams Theatre hosts this fabulous showing that is certain to class up your otherwise weekend crawl of debauchery and too many vodka cranberries. We’re talking about you, Steve!

FRI 18 — SAT 19 JAN | 3 PM — 6 PM | Old Island Restoration Foundation

SAT 19 JAN | 7:30 PM | Tennessee Williams Theatre | www.KeysTix.com

Upgrade Your Decor at ffusion Gallery

Eat at the Florida Keys Seafood Festival

One of the more recent gallery additions to Duval Street breaks from the typical rooster and watercolor bonanza to offer some seriously glitzy pop art and funky art deco pieces. Snag a pug tote or splash out on a dazzling Marilyn Monroe portrait.

This family-friendly outdoor festival encourages fishermen, locals, and foodies to cook and sample fresh catches. Live entertainment and chef demonstrations accompany the two-day grub fest with the chance to view and purchase terrific art-

20 | 01.16.19

works and spectate a boat show. This is a great opportunity to try popular dishes like Conch Ceviche and Stone Crab Claws with locally celebrated Key Lime Mustard Sauce at reasonable prices.

Snag a Winter Fling at the Island House Resort

SAT 19 — SUN 20 JAN | 11 AM — 5 PM | Bayview Park

This weekly Sunday pool party gets a bit wetter and diversified as visitors and snowbirds descend upon the best weather in the continental U.S. The clothing optional grounds allows you to see what the offerings are without having to open Scruff.

Grab a bite at one of the best cafes on the island and scope out your next fling or husband from the comfort of the pool. The lower vantage point is sure to be handy.

Laugh Your Guts Out at 801 Bourbon’s Drag Bingo.

He’s loud. He’s proud. And he’ll get you the good crap from Delta Airlines. Island icon and local drag performer “Qmitch” hosts this two-hour laugh fest every Sunday upstairs at 801 Bourbon. Come learn about the virtue of anal beads and why karaoke sucks all the while competing for absolute crap.

Although there are usually a few good unused sex toys thrown into the bigger games. It’s absolutely hysterical. As an added bonus, it will help clear your conscience of dirty Key West deeds since all proceeds go to a charitable cause.

SUN 20 JAN | 12 PM — 4 PM | 1129 Fleming St.

Sing with “Bobby in the Lobby” The dashing Bobby Nesbitt returns with his original cabaret series accompanied by Danny Weathers and Carmen Rodriguez. Combining two of his former shows, this performance will feature salutes to iconic Broadway team Rodgers and Hart and film composer Jule Styne. This is going to be a sold-out event and a real treat for the island. Start begging or looking for hawked tickets today. Please practice your over the top brandy swirling early.

SUN 20 — MON 21 JAN | 8 PM | Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre

SUN 20 JAN | 5PM-7PM | 801 Duval St

Brunch with Royalty at The Saint Hotel Come for the chic, intimate setting. Stay for the perfectly crisp bacon. On Saturday and Sunday, The Saint Hotel puts out a classic brunch spread complete with unlimited mimosas should you dare.

It’s a personal favorite of my own local brunching group — the Krazy Funny Brunching Gals. Show up early enough on Sunday, and you just might meet the 2017 Fantasy Fest King and try his famous Bloody Mary. There’s a lot of meat!

SAT 19 — SUN 20 JAN | 9 AM — 2 PM | 417 Eaton St

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Patrick is one of those rare people who is an Atlanta native. He works as a barista and dog sitter while running his own skin care business in Decatur (check out skinquility.com) – so in his own words, he hustles every day, but he is also convinced that all the hard work will pay off somehow. He loves spending time with friends and family, traveling to the beach, working out, game nights, music, and movies – and the occasional night on the town.

Patrick Smith

@skindeep007

30 | 01.16.19

- since 1997 -

- since 1997 -

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You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself

By Jamie Kirk

You should be ashamed of yourself if you are still living to please other people. You should be ashamed of yourself if you won’t speak up when you see injustice. You should be ashamed of yourself if you allow your opinions not to be considered by friends and family. You should be ashamed of yourself if you KNOW the right thing to do but allow the WRONG thing to happen in your presence. You should be ashamed of yourself if you are afraid to live your most authentic and true life.

The time has come for us to speak up. In our country, the greatest Nation, despite your thoughts on current leadership and despite the bill and laws you don’t agree with, we still live in the greatest Nation there is! And in this country, we cannot be put in jail for expressing our opinion or disagreeing with our neighbor. Even though Georgia is an “at will” state regarding termination, we should not be terminated for voicing our concerns regarding what is insensitive or inappropriate behavior towards our peers. We have the right to free speech. Not exercising this right is no one fault but ours.

Many civil rights leaders and government officials fought the good (and very long fight) for us to have freedom of speech and the ability to be treated fairly and equally, regardless of our gender, sex, race, religion, class status or appearance. These leaders protested, did sit-ins, boycotts, and lead marches, as examples of how intolerance would not be tolerated. Many of these leaders lost families members, jobs, careers, etc. to stand up for what they believed to be RIGHT. And all we have to do these days is speak up

and say: “I didn’t think that is acceptable.”

In many cases we don’t have to protest in the streets - all we have to do is use our voice. And if we don’t, we should be ashamed of ourselves.

The time has come not to stand back and watch injustice because we don’t want to ruffle feathers. We have to stand there, back straight, voice shaky, and say “that is wrong.” We can’t be concerned about the next step. We can’t own if something is done about the situation. We can’t try to determine what the punishment should be; we can only be responsible for voicing our concern. In some cases, our opinion may just be that. It doesn’t matter; we have to own walking in our own truth and ensuring that we are honoring those that fought on our behalf and those that would stop at nothing to give us the ability to voice our concern over what we know to be true and righteous.

It is so easy to get this message diluted by giving examples. Should Colin Kaepernick not have taken a knee? Should the baker have baked the cake for the gay couple? Should the wall be funded? When should a police officer act in self-defense? Although these are all deeply controversial topics, they all have one thing in common: human decency and respect are not being displayed. I don’t want to get into the business of challenging the belief system of anyone, but I know that the human belief system should be one that does not allow a person’s civil or political rights to be infringed upon by governments, social organizations or private individuals. The true definition of civil rights is to ensure 100% that one’s ability to participate in the civil and Continued on pg. 34 >>>>

32 | 01.16.19

Membership Required.

Must be 21 to Enter.

Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar.

We’re closer to Atlanta than you think!

Rubye’s Sing, Dance and 1/2 price winter rates Wear Red Lipstick Party! in Dec, Jan & Feb! January 12, 2019 Volunteer Campground Cleanup, January 26th peachATL.com | 33

political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression. If you do not agree with this equal right, then shame on you.

Not everyone holds their tongue. Not everyone allows injustice to be accepted. Many people have quit jobs, moved from neighborhoods, stopped talking to family members and even ended otherwise loving relationships, because of their deep and very personal commitments to their belief systems. I firmly believe that if you are terminated from a job or someone leaves you because of your views, then you are much better off and should just let it go and not chase it (person or whatever) to come back to your life. If they cannot respect your position, then why would you want to tolerate them in your life. Allowing unloving behavior in your life is unacceptable.

Again, this is much, much more about celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is much, much more than agreeing or disagreeing with who people voted into the office of Commander in Chief. This is bigger than if you think racial profiling exists. This is about each of us being held accountable for what we actually DO believe in. I think it is fair to say that people believe in human rights, but for those that don’t - say it.

Be a big enough person to admit that you believe in socialism or classism. You may be unpopular at the dinner table and maybe even get your car keyed, but walk in your truth. The issue of being ashamed is not so much in what you believe, but in that, you will not stand up in those beliefs.

Being ashamed on your viewpoints is not the intent of this message. The intent is that we know right from wrong. We know our upbringing either does or does not support how we are living our lives today. We have to take all of the information we have, process it and come up with our value system. We owe it to those less fortunate, those that can’t speak and those that have been threatened to get behind us and follow your lead.

Our lead should be carrying the torch of truth and honor. Our lead should be doing the right thing when no one is looking. Our lead should be acknowledging the sacrifice and commitment of those men and women that took a bullet for us to have sustained and continually freedom. Our lead should not be ashamed to call out our boss, our parents, our spouse and say: “I won’t tolerate this conversation, and I am going to remove myself from it.”

Each of us has to be adult enough, brave enough, committed enough, strong enough and loving enough to not just say these words, but have our actions support them daily. Pledging allegiance to the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Not just when it is convenient, but all the time until doing the right thing becomes something we don’t have to even think about. We just do it and say it without thought of how it will be received.

We just do it because if we don’t personally do it (each and every time) - who will?

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

34 | 01.16.19

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Thank You, Atlanta!

Over

3,000 Toys

donated from this year’s event!

We want…

...to hear your feedback! ...you to apply to our all-volunteer board! ...you to volunteer at our next event!

Email us at Support@forthekid.org or find us online: forthekidatl

OCTOBER 11-13,2019 atlantapride.org

Jan 16 – Jan 23

Pride in Tech: Skill Share Night

Cash Cash in Concert

MAAP is joining forces with the Flatiron School for an evening of networking and discovery where insights and perspectives in tech are shared. Get a chance to connect with other LGBTA+ individuals to share knowledge and learn new things along the way. The event is free to attend, but you need to RSVP through Eventbrite.

BEWARE presents the American electronic group Cash Cash for a night of fun and lots of dancing as the trio performs their lineup of hits.

Thursday, January 17, 6-8 pm

Friday, January 18, 10 pm The Ravine Atlanta

WeWork (Colony Square) STAFF PICK!

The G8Yties Dance Party Atlanta’s newest party is strictly 80s-themed and will take the Heretic back in time to the decade that produced some of the most danceable music. Welcome to the 80s!

Or should we say… G8Yties?!

Friday, January 18, 10 pm – 3 am The Heretic

Atlanta Winter Wine Festival

Toni Braxton As Long As I Live Tour

The 3rd Atlanta Winter Wine Festival offers 50+ In celebration of her latest album, Sex & Cigarettes, Toni wines, live music, and DJ Qtip. Tickets include entry, Braxton visits Atlanta to play new material as well as entertainment, souvenir glass, and all drinking samples. some of her greatest past hits.

Go to atlantawinefestivals.com for details.

Wednesday, January 23, 8 pm

Saturday, January 19, 12-4 pm and 6-10 pm (two sessions) City Winery 38 | 01.16.19

The Fox Theatre

RAINBOW HUMPERS BOWLING LEAGUE

PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

40 | 01.16.19

SOUTHEASTERN PREMIERE! A suspenseful examination of an alienated young man’s life filled with mystery and murder.

By Chay Yew FEBRUARY 7-23, 2019 Tickets: $15 and up Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta

www.OutFrontTheatre.com

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

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Piedmont Park

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11

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6 12th St. NE

18

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Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

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10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

4th St. NE

8

13

BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta

5

Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE

9 10 11 12

10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

42 | 01.16.19

991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE

fitness

retail 8 Barking Leather

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

Spring St. NW

17

76 4th St. NW

16 17 18 19

G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda

219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

Cheshire 23

ansley 21

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Piedmont Park BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

32 33 34 35 36

Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 2103 Faulkner Rd NE 2135 Liddell Drive NE

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Dining 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

NE

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clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

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39 38

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

41

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BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

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22

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1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

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A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

Bars & Clubs

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

Retail

MIDTOWN

MARY’S

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amsterdamatlanta.com

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AMSTERDAM

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE

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SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

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CHESHIRE

SWINGING RICHARDS

BARKING LEATHER

1400 Northside Dr NW

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BULLDOGS

Dining

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FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

MIDTOWN

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

10thandpiedmont.com

atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK

blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

893 Peachtree St NE

friendsonponce-atl.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

swingingrichards.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

MODEL T

991 Piedmont Ave NE

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

einsteinsatlanta.com

modeltatlanta.com

EINSTEIN’S

MY SISTER’S ROOM

1077 Juniper St NE

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tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE

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brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

FROGS CANTINA

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gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE

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HENRY’S

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BJ ROOSTERS

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

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URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

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900 Monroe Dr NE

MIDTOWN

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44 | 01.16.19

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10 THINGS TO QUIT IN 2019 LEAVE THESE IN 2018 AND MOVE FORWARD!

Trying to please everyone

Sacrificing your happiness for others

Being afraid of change

Thinking you’re not good enough

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Overthinking things

Being afraid to be different

46 | 01.16.19

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Text your Peach Pits to 540-30-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com

Him: How’s the gym?

Me: I’m in line

My boyfriend lost his voice, and now he is really scary because he is just quiet instead of yelling at me!

Him: That many people, huh?

Me: Yeah, it was crazy

Him: Was? Are you no at the gym anymore?

Sorry, but going to the gym every day does not make it up for a personality.

Me: No, too many people, so I went to get some food instead. I’m in line for french fries.

Note to self and everyone else: There is a big difference between Birdcage and Birdbox. I watched the first, and it didn’t have Sandra Bullock, and it wasn’t scary at all.

Vegan because of the environment my a**! You may not eat steak, but you drive everywhere and get on a plane at least five times a year!

Asking for a friend: dieting is eating six Oreos instead of the 12 I really want to eat, right?

48 | 01.16.19

Life is all about creating the optimal customized notification settings on your devices and apps!

Girl, if your Christmas tree is still up, you might as well leave it up for this year too!

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20) Minding your business will be a full time job today as people misuse your keen ability to listen by bombarding you with gossip, innuendo and secrets you’d rather not know. Don’t give in to your inner busybody -- keep it to yourself.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22) Your domestic side will step to the fore today as thoughts turn to home and family. Give Mom a call and tell her you miss her apple pie. Or plan to entertain your other family. A dinner party, perhaps? What better way to show off your talents with marzipan!

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

You tend to get caught up in the humdrum duties of life -- working, house chores, going to the gym.

Today, shed your sense of responsibility and dive into the heady world of romance. After all, why spend time organizing your bedroom when you’re bound to mess it up tonight?

Things may appear very black and white today, and your famous stubborn streak may prevent you from seeing the forest for the trees. Drop your headstrong impulses and think outside of the box. You’ll find it’s easier than you think.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) You’re brimming with innovative ideas today, but a perception of being aloof keeps people from taking you seriously. Stick to your guns, but keep your ideas rooted in reality. Remember, some of history’s great ideas sprang from the minds of people others called eccentric, like fellow water bearers Benjamin Franklin, Louis Pasteur and Isaac Asimov.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22) ‘I’m not a perfectionist, I’m picky.’ Right. Don’t be so analytical in your personal dealings today.

There’s no such thing as the perfect anything. Understand that and you’ll be surprised at how far you can get.

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Your quest for spiritual peace is evident today, and people will respond to your quiet yet intuitive demeanor. You will touch many people deeply, and not just with your hands. But don’t travel that inner journey alone. A candlelit dinner with someone you feel close to will really bring out your inner beauty.

Sudden problems with others will force you to question once trusted relationships, and you may have trouble telling the bitches from the benign.

Turn to the companionship of real friends to help you deal with the frenemies. You know who they are.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You may be called on to get things started with your crew today, so put your natural leadership abilities to good use. Others will be quick to take your lead, but be careful of how you rally your troops. You’ll have better results by killing them with kindness. Be a leader, not a slave driver.

A power struggle with forces that perceive themselves stronger than you has got your quills up.

Avoid the temptation to go on the attack -- that’s what they want. Keep yourself open for compromise, but don’t back down. Standing your ground will tip the outcome in your favor.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Your self-indulgent side may stop by today, so be the perfect host by catering to its (nearly) every whim. Get a massage, eat some chocolate, buy yourself something pretty, go on a date. If you can’t pamper yourself, whom can you pamper?

It’s a great day to focus on new projects -- creative, domestic and otherwise. Give them your all today, focusing on the minutiae that others would overlook. Your ability to map out the details now will make whatever you take on a success in the future.

50 | 01.16.19

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Trouble in the love department? With sex?

Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and you’ll get answers served straight up and with a little ice.

I am madly in love with my boyfriend! In fact, I want to spend as much time as possible with him, because I love him so much. He is my best friend, and I feel so happy and safe whenever we’re together, and, on the other hand, I don’t feel like myself when we’re apart. But lately, I feel like he wants some distance from me. Last time we had a tiny argument, he even said he felt smothered by me. I suppose I am needy, but it is only because I love him, and I hate being alone. I can’t lose him; I wouldn’t survive it, but what if I’m about to lose this relationship?

Sincerely Pushing Love Dear Pushing Love It sounds like you have encountered an issue that you will be wise to confront for your own sake.

Whenever you need to have another person being the primary source of happiness and safety, you also put yourself in a vulnerable position. There are no guarantees that anyone is going to stay in a relationship, and even if your boyfriend stays, he may not want to take on the role of being the only person in the world that can secure your happiness.

As an almost logical consequence, you have a strong need to be with him, and he wants distance, which causes stress and fear in your life. So here’s the part that you need to do for you: you need to shift the foundation of your well-being from your boyfriend to – you guessed it! – yourself! If you can learn how to rely on yourself to be happy and stand on your own, you will also become more independent and stable. If you don’t work on this personal issue, you will continue to be on shaky ground in this relationship – and the next of this one doesn’t work out. Start by spending some time alone and with other people than your boyfriend. Find activities that give you a sense of joy and fulfillment. All of these will provide you with a renewed sense of self that doesn’t rely on someone else to make you satisfied. Sure, learning new behaviors is scary and anxiety-inducing, but in the process of outweighing the fear you are feeling in your relationship right now, you will discover that the fear associated with learning a new way of thinking will diminish with

time. Nothing like the anxiety you are feeling right now over potentially losing a relationship, and that’s exactly what you wish to overcome, right?

At work, I am teamed up with a straight guy, and we have become excellent friends. We are both in relationships, and both our partners are happy that we’ve become friends outside of work too. But while working on a project at his house, we were joking about ‘what if he was gay too.’ All innocent fun it seemed until I had to leave, and we said goodbye.

We usually hug, but this time he came in for a kiss. It wasn’t a long, passionate kiss, just a few seconds of our lips touching, but I felt very conflicted afterward as I drove home. The next day I texted him not mentioning the kiss. He replied being very vague, and I could immediately tell something was off. So now I’m conflicted, flattered, intrigued, and also annoyed that this could ruin our great friendship.

Am I overreacting or is there something else going on here?

Sincerely Not Keeping It Straight Dear Not Keeping It Straight There are so many things to consider here. Maybe he is attracted to you and gave in to the moment.

Maybe he has difficulty admitting that there might be some gay in him. Perhaps he wanted to show you affection without attributing anything sexual to it. Maybe he thought that the joking around was flirting. Maybe he feels that you are avoiding the subject now. Also, do you know how you feel about him? Are you attracted to him? Are you sure the joking around about being gay wasn’t just a little bit intentional? What about your current partner?

These are all questions that only you can answer by asking yourself what you want and then talking to your friend. Avoiding it, like you are doing now, will just add to all of the confusion.

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.

52 | 01.16.19

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